James Tallman - Research Specialist II at Rice University

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James Tallman Research Specialist II at Rice University

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James Tallman is an experienced biologist with over a decade of leading scientific research in academia and industry. They have expertise in the marine, ecological, and molecular sciences, with a diverse range of experience bridging the environment, the laboratory, and the command line to answer complex questions. Currently, James is working as a Research Specialist II at Rice University, where they have established a workflow for automated high-throughput image screening of zebrafish larvae and conducted various experiments in zebrafish-modeled cancer and nervous system research. They have also worked as a Microbiologist II at Eagle - Testing & Consulting Services, where they performed microbiological tests on over 2,500 pharmaceutical samples for quality control. James holds a Ph.D. coursework in Molecular Virology and Microbiology from Baylor College of Medicine and a Master of Science in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

More about this expert

Full name: James Tallman
Location: San Antonio, Texas Metropolitan Area
Title: Research Specialist II
Company: Rice University (since 2019)
Industry: Higher Education
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-tallman-24669316b/
LinkedIn Connections: 79
Summary: Experienced biologist with over a decade of leading scientific research in academia and industry. Skilled in the marine, ecological, and molecular sciences with a diversity of experience bridging the environment, the laboratory, and the command line to answer complex questions.
Skills: DNA Sequencing Research

Education

Baylor College of Medicine: Completed Ph.D. Coursework
Attended in 2017 - 2018
Field of study: Molecular Virology and Microbiology
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: Master of Science - MS
Attended in 2015 - 2017
Field of study: Marine Biology

Positions

Rice University Houston, Texas · On-site: Research Specialist II
Sep 2019 - Oct 2022

Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development
Established a workflow for automated high-throughput image screening of zebrafish larvae.
Screened 2,112 fluorescence microscopy images of 1,056 fluorescence reporter line zebrafish embryos treated with 146 clinically relevant drugs for developmental disease phenotypes.
Developed and trained image analysis software (Python language) for aberrant phenotype detection.
Performed immunohistochemistry, CRISPR gene editing, drug dose-response, and tissue staining experiments in support of zebrafish-modeled cancer and nervous system research.
Procured and maintained stocks of laboratory supplies and reagents.
Maintained experimental zebrafish lines and husbandry facilities according to IACUC specifications.
Optimized molecular assay protocols.
Formally trained in single cell RNA-seq library preparation by 10X Genomics.
Maintained databases of laboratory fish lines, reagents, and bioinformatic data.
Curated single cell RNA-seq data, repaired technical equipment and machinery, edited manuscripts, presented findings at local and international meetings, mentored students, and created laboratory graphics.
Eagle — Testing & Consulting Services Houston, Texas Area · On-site: Microbiologist II
Jan 2019 - Aug 2019

Performed microbiological tests (sterility and endotoxin) on over 2,500 human and veterinary pharmaceutical samples for quality control in a laboratory and ISO 7 cleanroom environment.
Tested samples in an ISO 5 laminar flow hood.
Ensured compliance with company Standard Operating Procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations.
Maintained laboratory and cleanroom hygiene according to ISO standards.
Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas: Research Assistant
Jul 2017 - Aug 2018

Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology
Purified, quantified, and analyzed anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) virulence-associated proteins using bacterial culture techniques, affinity chromatography, the Bradford assay, Western blotting, and protein phylogenetic analysis.
Generated three strains of drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) via long range nested PCR and transfection for subsequent disease challenge studies.
Isolated and analyzed human norovirus transcriptomes using mammalian cell, organoid, and viral culture techniques, RNA extraction, qRT-PCR, and ingenuity pathways analysis software.
Presented findings at laboratory meetings.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, Texas · On-site: Lead Teaching Assistant
Aug 2015 - May 2017

Department of Life Sciences
Oversaw all Microbiology (BIOL-2421) and Principles of Microbiology (BIOL-2420) laboratories.
Trained teaching assistants, undergraduate students, and staff in laboratory safety and instruction, microbiological culture techniques, microbial identification, microscope use, and aseptic technique.
Instructed over 150 students, developed/graded learning material, and prepared laboratories.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, Texas · On-site: Laboratory Manager/Research Technician
Feb 2015 - May 2017

Laboratory for Microbial and Environmental Genomics
Established and oversaw a new research laboratory with the principal investigator.
Collected and analyzed over 300 samples of diverse origin from the marine environment for genomic, metagenomic, transcriptomic, microbial, phylogenomic, and ecological research objectives.
Isolated total DNA and RNA from microbes in animal, plant, water, sediment, and deep-sea subsurface samples using phenol-chloroform, guanidinium thiocyanate, and magnetic bead based purification methods for subsequent bioinformatic analysis.
Developed molecular and bioinformatic protocols for the identification and enumeration of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria derived from complex environmental samples.
Formally trained to operate the Vitek 2 Compact system for rapid microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing by bioMérieux.
Cultured strains of Vibrio bacteria isolated from the marine environment, aquaculture facilities, and clinical settings for phylogenomic, phylogenetic, and phylogeographic research objectives.
Curated and maintained stocks of laboratory supplies, reagents, and bacterial strains.
Collaborated with scientists from other laboratories, departments, and institutions.
Authored and edited the laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs), microbiological, chemical, and molecular research protocols, scientific papers, and grant proposals.
Operated spectrophotometric devices, thermal cyclers, and other equipment for molecular research objectives.
Employed a high-performance computing cluster environment for data-intensive bioinformatic analyses.
Organized and led marine field sampling expeditions.
Trained, supervised, and mentored staff, students, and visiting researchers.
Presented findings at meetings and maintained laboratory hygiene.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, Texas, United States · On-site: Laboratory Technician
Oct 2013 - Dec 2014

Laboratory of Molecular Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation
Prepared DNA libraries for next-generation DNA sequencing of invertebrates and invasive lionfish.
Organized and led marine field sampling expeditions to collect polychaete worms for subsequent purification of DNA and phylogeographic analysis.
Operated and maintained centrifuges, concentrators, thermal cyclers, spectrophotometers, electrophoretic cells, gel imaging systems, and other specialized equipment.
Measured and compared Hawaiian limpet (‘Opihi) morphology for evolutionary and conservation research.
Led a team of undergraduate researchers, presented findings at meetings, and maintained laboratory hygiene and equipment.